The GuruWalk Awards 2026 have named the world’s best guided tour, chosen from more than 800 routes across the globe.
The top prize went to a Madrid tour by Tourstilla titled “Old Town, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, the Cathedral, the Palace, the Theatre and More”. Conducted in Spanish, the tour is run through the historic heart of the city, and it blends a classic walking format with elements of live theatre, adding more emotion and interactivity.
The route lasts around 2 hours and 20 minutes and covers Madrid’s key landmarks, including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Catedral de la Almudena, the Royal Palace of Madrid and Teatro Real. Participants are also shown the world’s oldest restaurant, a historic pharmacy and one of the city’s oldest barbershops.
The winner was selected from GuruWalk’s internal data, the number of bookings made in 2025 and verified reviews from travellers. The tours featured on the platform follow a “pay-what-you-want” model, where visitors decide how much to pay their guide. Via GuruWalk, guided tours are typically offered at prices ranging from €15 to €50 per person.
Alongside Madrid, Lisbon was recognised for the best English-language tour, while several destinations in Asia, North America and Latin America were also highlighted among the award winners.
